A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism Klaus K Klostermaie
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Vaiÿya 196<br />
saƒpradäya, founded by NÄRADA (3),<br />
also called the Hamsa saƒpradäya, or<br />
Nimbärka saƒpradäya, after its bestknown<br />
representative, NIMBÄRKA, with<br />
its headquarters in Govardhana; (4)<br />
Rudra saƒpradäya, founded by Vi•æusvami,<br />
also called Vallabha saƒpradäya,<br />
after Vallabha (1479–1531), its bestknown<br />
reformer, with its headquarters<br />
in Gokula.<br />
While all later saƒpradäyas are supposed<br />
to be affiliated with one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
four, there are two major saƒpradäyas<br />
that are <strong>of</strong>ten mentioned separately: the<br />
GAU¥ÏYA VAIÆŒAVA saƒpradäya (affiliated<br />
with the Madhva saƒpradäya),<br />
founded by CAITANYA, with its centre in<br />
Navadvïp, and the Ÿrï saƒpradäya,<br />
founded by RÄMÄNANDA, with its headquarters<br />
in Ayodhyä.<br />
Vai•æavism is characterized by<br />
upäsana (ritual worship) and säraæägati<br />
(taking refuge in Vi•æu). Vai•æavas subscribe<br />
to ahiƒsä (non-violence), vegetarianism,<br />
selflessness and active<br />
altruism. Vai•æavism has brought forth<br />
an extremely rich literature both in<br />
Sanskrit and Indian vernaculars as well<br />
as artistic productions (music, dance,<br />
sculpture, architecture). Major revival<br />
movements within Vai•æavism have<br />
been founded by the A®VARS <strong>of</strong> South<br />
India, the North Indian BHAKTI movements<br />
and the Neo-Caitanyite Mission<br />
(19th–20th centuries), which has<br />
reached the West in the form <strong>of</strong> the<br />
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA<br />
CONSCIOUSNESS.<br />
Vaiÿya<br />
The third <strong>of</strong> the VARŒAS (classes), the<br />
lowest <strong>of</strong> the twice-born, composed <strong>of</strong><br />
traders, farmers and artisans.<br />
Väla-khïlyas (1)<br />
Eleven hymns in the Øgveda that are<br />
added as an appendix, due to their spurious<br />
nature.<br />
Väla-khïlyas (2)<br />
Mythical pygmy sages, the size <strong>of</strong> a<br />
thumb, able to fly swifter than birds, the<br />
guardians <strong>of</strong> the sun chariot.<br />
Valiyon<br />
The Tamil name for BALADEVA, the<br />
elder brother <strong>of</strong> Vi•æu. He is described<br />
as having a light complexion, one earring<br />
and a ploughshare as a weapon.<br />
His emblem is the palmyra tree.<br />
Vallabhäcärya, also<br />
Vallabha (1481–1533)<br />
A Telugu brahmin, founder <strong>of</strong> a school<br />
<strong>of</strong> theistic Vedänta called Ÿuddhädvaita<br />
(pure non-dualism). He emphasized<br />
most strongly the role <strong>of</strong> grace in the<br />
process <strong>of</strong> salvation. He elevated the<br />
Bhägavata Puräæa to the position <strong>of</strong> the<br />
most authoritative scripture. He also<br />
considered revelation the only way to<br />
acquire knowledge <strong>of</strong> God. (See also<br />
PUÆfiIMÄRGA.)<br />
Välmïki<br />
The author <strong>of</strong> the RÄMÄYANA, the first<br />
poet (Ädikävi). His name is derived<br />
from välmïka, an anthill. According to<br />
legend he led the life <strong>of</strong> a brigand before<br />
being converted to Räma worship.<br />
Doing penance he meditated so long<br />
and so intensely that ants built their hill<br />
around him, leaving only his eyes visible.<br />
He received the banished SÏTÄ into his<br />
hermitage and educated her two sons.<br />
vämäcära<br />
See TANTRA.<br />
Väma-deva (1)<br />
A name <strong>of</strong> ŸIVA.<br />
(‘left-hand way’)<br />
Väma-deva (2)<br />
A Vedic ø•i (sage), author <strong>of</strong> many<br />
hymns.